THE RED ROAD

by Kahrin Spear

In my debut exhibition, I express my connection to the profound Native American philosophy, the Medicine Wheel (Sacred Hoop)—particularly The Red Road. As spoken by Oglala Sioux medicine man, Black Elk, to be walking the red road is to live a spiritual life embodying the Seven Sacred Virtues of the Lakota: 

Wóčhekiya : Prayer

Wičákha : Honesty

Wahwala : Humility

Waúnšila : Compassion

Waóhola : Respect

Wawokiye : Generosity

Wóksape : Wisdom

Inspired by this teaching, I aim to encapsulate the essence of these virtues and their unique role in creating a life of harmony. 

My artistic expression takes form through 'bahboos,' mystical beings that embody the spirit in its most ethereal aspects—neutral, formless, androgynous, and deeply mysterious. Each bahboo is a visual representation of a virtue, crafted to evoke contemplation on how these virtues manifest in our lives and our relationship to those around us.

The medium of my work bridges the earthly and the divine; solid walnut frames ground the artworks, symbolizing our earthly existence, while layers of filtered beeswax and soy wax create a soft, ethereal backdrop, representing the heavenly spiritual realms I visit often in meditation. The bahboos themselves are constructed from fabric scraps from Cleveland fashion designer William Frederick, carefully chosen to convey the virtues through their colors and textures. Embedded in wax, these fabrics not only create a unique tactile experience but also a contrasting visual dialogue.

The Red Road is an invitation to reflect on your own spirituality and connection to these virtues. It is my hope that this exhibition serves as a mirror, encouraging introspection your unique contribution as a thread woven in and through the fabric of life.